Jeremia Swartbooi joined the NBRI beginning of June 1997 as a labourer in the National Botanic Garden. In his early days, under the leadership of Henk Dauth, he was instrumental in transforming the steep slopes below the main building into retaining walls, steps, stairs, and workable surfaces that constitute the nursery today. Later on, after he completed a course in brick laying, he also built many stair cases and paths in the Botanic Garden. He maintained his area - the lily walk - meticulously and it always stood out as the neatest area in the entire Garden. His dedication and positive work attitude was a shining example to other staff members.

After 20 years of back-breaking work he retired on 1 June 2017. His friendly outgoing personality will be dearly missed by everybody at the institute.